A letter from Joe and Hannah Kang in Russia
Summer 2011
Dear Friends,
Hannah and I hope that this short note finds all of you in good health, having a refreshing summer in the midst of record-breaking heat, flooding and uncertain economical prospect.
Joe preaching at farewell service.
As indicated in our previous letter, early June we returned to Southern California for good after bidding farewell to our students, colleagues and friends at the Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Petersburg, Russia. It was not easy for us to say “goodbye” after 11-year-long work over there. Yet the Seminary’s gracious arrangement for the farewell made our transit very smooth and comfortable. Our daughter, Ruth, her husband Mike, and their three children (Peter, Sara and Samantha) came to St. Petersburg for a two-week visit in early May. The Seminary arranged our farewell worship and party during their stay, and it was such a meaningful event for both our family and the Seminary. Especially it was wonderful for our grandchildren to see what we were doing at the Seminary, and to have a better understanding of our ministry.
Since the aircraft for our flight from St. Petersburg to Los Angeles was Aeroflot, the Russian carrier, we felt we had an extended farewell all the way to LAX. Hearing “dosvidanya” (goodbye!) from friendly Russian flight attendants upon arrival at LAX, we realized that we were finally back to the States for good.
Farewell party for Joe and Hannah.
Our transition from mission field to our new home in the States was made in a hassle-free way thanks to gracious efforts by the Monte Vista Grove Homes (MVGH) administration. We were allowed to move right into our new home upon arrival and be welcomed by staff and resident neighbors. We found this Presbyterian Retirement Community being occupied by so many faithfully dedicated servants of the Lord. Every resident has already studied our profile and greeted us by calling us by our first names. Hannah and I have been just overwhelmed by the incredible friendliness and warmth of Christian love extended to us by each of residents. To mention a few: Bob Lodwick and his wife, Hedwig, were long-serving PC(USA) world mission co-workers—Bob was the area associate for Europe; Sara Morrison, our neighbor in the backyard, was born in Pyongyang, North Korea, and a missionary to Korea and Hong Kong; Marie Melrose, another neighbor, taught at Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Seoul for 36 years; and Winnie Washburn, our amazing next-door neighbor, nearing her mid-90s, is still driving her van, writing, and keeping up with flower garden work. We were merely spellbound when she offered help to us. Listening to so many wonderful experiences over the community dining table, we cannot help but feel that “we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses” (Heb. 12:1). We want to let you know that we are deeply grateful for this marvelous Christian retirement community and FEEL VERY AT HOME here at MVGH. During our missionary work it was quite awkward to answer to questions like “Where is your home?” Our answer used to be “Our home is everywhere!” After all those 21 years of “home everywhere,” we finally have our own address: 2889 San Pasqual St. C60, Pasadena, CA 91107.! We also want to let you know that we are just new kids at this retirement community at the moment.
joe and Hannah's new home at MVGH.
Another blessing we feel so grateful for is the fact that our children and grandchildren live close to us now. Ruth and Mike’s house is only five miles away, and her store (Gi-Gi Dance Closet) just walking distance away. Ruth has been helping Hannah in buying new furniture and decorating our new home. Our son, John, lives 60 miles away, but still close enough. He recently opened another branch law office in downtown Los Angeles in addition to his main office in Orange County and keeps a busy professional life.
Once again we extend our sincere thanksgiving from the bottom of our hearts for your continuous support, care and prayers for decades during our missionary work both in Malawi and Russia. Keeping your care and love as precious treasure in our hearts, we would like to bid our “dosvidanya” to all of you. If you have any chance to come to this part of America, please let us know and come stay with us.
May the Lord of life keep you much blessed in good health and joyful life evermore!
Yours faithfully,
Joe and Hannah
The 2011 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 203
Give to Joseph and Hannah Kang's sending and support
Give to support mission co-workers in Europe
Editor’s note: we thank Joe and Hannah Kang for 21 years of service and ask for your prayers and continued support during their period of transition to life in the United States.
